1 Combat Engineer Regiment helps build a home with Habitat for Humanity

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Last month, members of 12 Squadron from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER) traded in their CADPATs for utility belts and hardhats when they volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

On January 20, soldiers from 4 Troop headed to the construction site in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, where they were tasked with the job of installing walls for the garage.

4 Troop Commander, Lieutenant Adrian McNeely explained that his troop wanted to volunteer with Habitat, “both to give back, and also for some hands-on training with tools.”

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps families get out of the cycle of living paycheque to paycheque by providing them with an opportunity to own their own home.

President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity – Edmonton, Alfred Nikolai said that “when it comes down to it, we are a charity that’s helping people, that’s helping families.”

“The families that we help, are families that are struggling paying their bills on a monthly basis,” said Nikolai. “They are hardworking families that want to build a better future for their children and they do it through the homeownership of their home.”

The build site is part of a project that will help 16 deserving families in Fort Saskatchewan.

“These 16 homes in Fort Saskatchewan are going to make a real difference, obviously for those 16 families, but also for the city of Fort Saskatchewan,” said Nikolai.

Sapper Mark Landie enjoyed being out in the sun while being able to help the community.

“We are having a fantastic time. I think that the troops are getting some good training, learning a little bit and feeling good giving something back,” said Lt McNeely.

Nikolai said that this is not that first time that the organization has worked with the Canadian Armed Forces and it will not be the last.

“We embrace them and love them,” said Nikolai. “Volunteers come in all colours and stripes, but when they come from the military, they come with some training. They also come with some discipline and they come with some good humour.”